Here’s Justin’s first feature, about a rare Redline-framed RD100!
Before coming across this bike I was unaware that Redline had created motorcycle frames and swingarms. In their early days of manufacturing Redline made frames for flattrack, speedway, TT and motocross then exploded into the BMX business creating a dominating brand that I still remember as a prestige brand. If you had Redline chromoly forks you ruled the dirt behind my elementary school.
From the Redline webpage:
“Nov 1, 1970
REDLINE WAS BORN
Redline was born when two guys with a common interest in welding and motorcycles began making frames and swingarms. With a 6-person staff, they named the company Redline and began producing lightweight, high quality motorcycle frames for flattrack, TT, speedway or motocross.
January 1, 1974
Redline Replacement Swingarms Introduced
from http://redlinebicycles.com/history/
Replacement swingarms were Redline’s hottest commodity in 1974, when this new sport called BMX began to gain attention. With the owner’s son gaining interest, they began thinking of ways to make stronger bike parts. A local bike shop called Pedalers West bet Redline that they can’t come up with a stronger yet lighter fork for BMX. They’re up for the challenge.”
If you are looking for a rare vintage Road Racer that has an interesting lineage this might be the bike for you. The ad is up in the Seattle area but I have seen it posted as far as the SF bay area so it may be purchased quickly. Claims to be 85% complete so in the right hands if could prove a smart buy at an asking price of $2500 here on Craigslist.
To Quote Dave Williams and his Gasoline Calvary guide book –
Two strokes have always made me ride like a teenage villain. This bike seems well suited for vintage races. Good luck to the new owner.
